Fuel tank gone bad!

[1500Rider]

Bad news from my painter today. He discovered the fuel tank is full of pinholes while he was stripping off the old paint. He also found some rust inside. Looks like the previous owner wasn't too keen on keeping the tank full when in storage. My painter said he could fix it but thinks I'd be better off finding another tank in better condition. Any suggestions on where the best place to look might be?

Looked on eBay but those tanks look pretty rough. Also, does anybody know the differences in tanks over the years? Looked on Honda Line Direct and found quite a price range over the years with different part numbers on the Tourer and Standard tanks. Not sure if this is due to the change in emblems or differences in the tank itself.

For some reason the price for the older, 1997 Tourer tank is quite a bit more than one for a 2003 Standard. Was considering buying a tank for a later year but not too sure if the tank itself has changed at all.

Any issues with putting an Interstate tank on a Tourer? Guessing there a a few other parts to buy if I go that route such as the fuel sender to plug the hole. Any insight or suggestions would be most welcome.

[Flat6Valk]

you can plub the fuel sender hole in an interstate tank with a part BigBF sells.  It is inexpensive.  All tanks for standards and tourers should work.  Paint schemes are different prices.  The fastest black I think is the cheapest.  I could be wrong about the price, but .......... someone will offer up more info.

[pocobubba]

Valkyrie Bling { supporter of this sight } has tanks and there was one in the classifieds of this sight

[1500Rider]

Been getting some conflicting information regarding the fit of the Interstate tank on the Tourer. Some say it won't, others say it will. Can anybody clarify this? Right now I have the OEM seat but plan to move to an Ultimate seat in the next year to two. Need a tank that will fit the OEM seat for now and will deal with the issues of the aftermarket seat later.

I'm hoping the tanks from later years will fit as the cost seems to be lower. Considering a plain black Interstate tank. Not worried about the colour as it going if for custom painting anyway. Couldn't find any tanks on Valkyrie Bling but did see the one in the classifieds section on this site. Just want to get all the information on Interstate tanks I can before contacting the seller. Would hate buy something that won't fit.

[Gryphon Rider]

You don't need to be concerned about the model year of the tank, but only the condition and Interstate/non-Interstate.  The only fitment issue with the interstate tank is how the nose of the seat fits against the tank.  I could be corrected, but I think the pre-2000 std/Tourer seat will fit an IS tank without issues, but a 2000 and later seat either won't fit or requires some effort to get it down and latched.

[sandy]

The only differences are the Interstate tanks are larger and have a sending unit hole in the bottom. All the standard/Tourer tanks are the same. The difference between years and part numbers are due to color. Honda sends them out prepainted. If you need a factory paint code, it might be cheaper to get the right paint and then avoid having to pay a painter.

[1500Rider]

Not worried about the paint as I'm having the whole bike done with a custom paint design. Just want to make sure whatever tank I get will fit so will probably go with whatever is cheaper. Really having a tough time deciding on whether to get an Interstate tank or Tourer. Won't be using the bike for any long-distance touring, that's what my Wing is for, but the extra capacity might be nice as well as the option of adding a fuel gauge.

Can anybody chime in on any negatives with having the Interstate tank? Weight, handling, fit around the legs?

[f6john]

    Please list the sources of the people telling you one Valk tank will fit but some other Valk tank won't. I need to add them to the list of people who don't know crap about Valkyries but offer up there wisdom anyway.

[john]

             " I need to add them to the list of people who don't know crap about Valkyries but offer up there wisdom anyway. "                     

[1500Rider]

    Please list the sources of the people telling you one Valk tank will fit but some other Valk tank won't. I need to add them to the list of people who don't know crap about Valkyries but offer up there wisdom anyway.

Too funny! Well, looks like it has been established that either tank will fit. Thanks for all the input everyone, much appreciated. Now I just have to make a decision as to which way to go, Interstate or Tourer. Damn, just when I thought this project was coming to a close, something else comes up!

[Brian]

Hey there 1500 rider,

I have a tank from a 1998 Tourer, no rust, needs some body work though. E-mail me if you are interested. I can send pictures if you interested.

[JaysGone]

When I was in the process of rebuilding my Valk.
I went through 3 different tanks before finding a good one with no hidden rust.
The only difference in tanks for the Standard vs the Interstate is an extra bung for the pump to the auxilary tank the Interstate has and is easily plugged.
Prices are ridiculus for a used tank in ANY condition.
I had one tank boiled and creamed and it still had rust in it afterwards.
There are some baffles in the thing that want to resist being creamed properly.
Most tanks from recycling places will be dented.
The amount of body work can and of course does vary.
Expect to pay 4-650$ for a decient used tank.
Most will need some sort of repair to a degree.
Best bet in my opinion is take your time and look for a tank from an individual rather then a recycler.
I got lucky and was eventually able to pick up a rust free but slightly bruised tank where the handle bars slapped it.
But be prepared to pay and or bid buku bux for one.

If you want to take a chance on one that I have that has had some body work included being welded in 2 places and in need of a bit more body work to make perfect.
The tank I thought I was going to use that was boiled and creamed but still has a little rust can be yours for 150$ plus shipping but with no guaranty it can be eventually actually used.
Id say if run enough the little rust still in it should eventually stop.
Its been rattle can painted Blue Metallic and looks good.
Oh yah the vent tube might be clogged up from the creame job and cant be reopened easily.
But it is pretty looking to a degree.

Now seriously.
Good tanks are around.
But be prepaired to pay alot.

[Gryphon Rider]

The only difference in tanks for the Standard vs the Interstate is an extra bung for the pump to the auxilary tank the Interstate has and is easily plugged.

The extra bung is only on tanks that have been modified to use an aftermarket auxiliary tank, usually one from R&M Works.  The real differences are larger size/capacity and accommodations for a fuel level sender on an IS tank.
+1 f6john.

[Ricky-D]

The failure rate for gas tank inner (liner) coatings is pretty well documented on some v-twin forums.

The main problem being the application process and especially the inside the tank preparation.

Seems like the jobs last around three years or so and then the coating starts to fail and clog up lines and carbs.

***

[9Ball]

The only difference in tanks for the Standard vs the Interstate is an extra bung for the pump to the auxilary tank the Interstate has and is easily plugged.

The extra bung is only on tanks that have been modified to use an aftermarket auxiliary tank, usually one from R&M Works.  The real differences are larger size/capacity and accommodations for a fuel level sender on an IS tank.
+1 f6john.

Gryph, that's a good start for your list...

[MarkT]

I put an I/S tank on my std.  12-13 years ago.  I found one back then for $500 from findmypart.com.  It was already black and in perfect condition, needed no paint or work.  I bought a sending unit to plug the hole, though never set up a gauge.  I had a friend needed to plug the hole - we did that with a flat piece of steel with holes to match the studs, and a large O-ring.  That's all it took, and it never leaked as far as I know.  We've been out of touch so I don't know if he had any leak years later.

The tank fit without mods, with my Rood Saddle Mod (see my tech tips page, it's a modified '98 OEM seat): http://www.horseapple.com/Valkyrie/Tech_Tips/Rood_Saddle_Mod/rood_saddle_mod.html, with a Mustang seat, and an Ultimate Big Boy.  Though I think for the latter, I specified the seat to fit an I/S.  Don't recall on the Mustang though I think it was to fit a std.

More recently I installed velocity stacks.  That required lifting the tank with spacers (fender washers), and I also lengthened the latch tang on the front of the seat (welded it) so it could sit a little higher and still latch OK.  I think clearance for the carbs is a little closer on the I/S tank and so may need adjustments for the velocity stacks that might not be needed for the std tank.  Just guessing on the latter, I didn't try to fit a std tank with velocity stacks.  Someone else might know on that.

The tank was definitely worth it, even after I stopped touring on the Valk, having bought a wing.  So much nicer not having to stop for gas, but gassing up when convenient.  The extra capacity enables that.  Also nicer when group riding, not having the bike with the least range, where I'm the guy they always have to plan gas stops for.  Now I typically hit reserve around 195 instead of 134, and rarely get to reserve before I've already gassed up.

[John Schmidt]

I picked up an I/S tank shortly after I got my Tourer. At the time I had an Ultimate Big Boy which worked OK with the new tank, just caused a bit of wrinkling of the nose when pressed down to latch. The first couple weeks the seat was a bit difficult to latch but eventually conformed and wasn't any trouble. I later replaced the seat with one made for the I/S tank. The tanks all mount the same way and can be interchanged, but as mentioned...the I/S tank does have the hole in the bottom form the sending unit. That can either be plugged or used in conjunction with a fuel gauge....your choice. I didn't experience any difference in handling with the changeover, just added quit a few miles between fuel stops. If you have a choice, I'd go with the larger tank. None of the tanks have what some think is an internal auxiliary tank, it's merely a lower pickup location on the petcock stem that fits up into the tank.

[Gryphon Rider]

Gryph, that's a good start for your list...

I have 4 categories:
1. Can completely trust that what they present as fact, IS fact, and what they present as opinion should be seriously considered.
2. Can usually trust what they say is true WITHIN THEIR AREA OF EXPERTISE, but am highly skeptical of anything else they say.
3. Can assume they're talking out their backside, armed with incomplete information and untested speculation.
4. People trying to be helpful, with a little bit of useful information.

[JaysGone]

The only difference in tanks for the Standard vs the Interstate is an extra bung for the pump to the auxilary tank the Interstate has and is easily plugged.

The extra bung is only on tanks that have been modified to use an aftermarket auxiliary tank, usually one from R&M Works.  The real differences are larger size/capacity and accommodations for a fuel level sender on an IS tank.
+1 f6john.

Gryph, that's a good start for your list...

Put me on the list for sure I deserve it.......... Head Of the Klass.
You listen to folks who are supposed to know these things and just spread the manure yourself.

I didnt know any better and was told it was for the auxliary tank of an IS.
Thanks for straightening me out on that one Jr.

[MarkT]

Gryph, that's a good start for your list...

I have 4 categories:
1. Can completely trust that what they present as fact, IS fact, and what they present as opinion should be seriously considered.
2. Can usually trust what they say is true WITHIN THEIR AREA OF EXPERTISE, but am highly skeptical of anything else they say.
3. Can assume they're talking out their backside, armed with incomplete information and untested speculation.
4. People trying to be helpful, with a little bit of useful information.

Good summary!  I'm betting many of us do the same thing, maybe less formalized.  I don't actually maintain a list of good sources, just remember them, though that might be a good idea as my rememberer doesn't work like it once did.

As for me - my paradigm in a nutshell is - if I post something as fact, it is, and can back it up if questioned or I didn't post the evidence with it.  If it's an opinion, or I'm providing my best understanding, I put a disclaimer with it, unless being an opinion is obvious.  I generally don't add the same statement that someone else has already posted, unless he needs support or I can add something.

[1500Rider]

Thanks for all the information everyone – I really appreciate it being a newbie to the Valkyrie scene. Looks like we've established beyond a doubt that an Interstate tank will indeed work from any year. Now comes the hard part, deciding which route to go. Cost between the two from HDL is about $330 for the Interstate and that doesn't include the fuel unit, an option that makes sense as it only costs $37 more than the plug kit from BigF and will enable me to add gauge later should I choose.

I sent a email to HDL regarding the availability of their different tanks. I'd hate to have to wait several months for one tank when another might be available right away. Been waiting too long as it is to get the girl back in shape and on the road.

Anybody have any experience with ordering a tank through HDL? Had great success with them in the past and hoping that will continue. Another question I just thought about with regards to purchasing a used tank would be any shipping restrictions from the U.S. to Canada. Any thoughts on this?

[Grumpy]

One on Craigs list near Tampa,

http://tampa.craigslist.org/hil/mcy/3274395448.html

[JaysGone]

I dont even need the tank and would buy it at that price if major dent free.

[1500Rider]

Some folks on a Facebook page dedicated to the Valkyire said my seat wouldn't fit with an I/S tank. There were corrected in short order by some other members through so we all learned something. Will be ordering a new tank tonight along with the fuel sender.

[Hoser]

Just popped up on ebay
http://www.ebay.com/itm/Valkyrie-Black-Fuel-Tank-NEVER-USED-1997-2003-fitment-/160895031736?hash=item25761759b8&item=160895031736&pt=Motorcycles_Parts_Accessories&vxp=mtr